UNION – Gerald Hairston III led the Roselle Rams to a Union County-best 495 points.
Brian Oblachinski guided the Cranford Cougars to the third most points of any Union County squad last year, 358. Repeat North 2, Group 5 champion Westfield was second with 378.
Union County’s All-Star quarterbacks hope to lead their football team into the end zone quite frequently against Middlesex County’s best.
The MyCentral Jersey.com Snapple Bowl XXIV is set to kick off Thursday night (July 20) at 7 at Kean University’s Alumni Stadium.
The event has raised more than $600,000 for charity since the first game took place at Union High School in July of 1994.
On Monday (July 17) the Middlesex County All-Stars visited the Edison-based Lakeview School, a program of the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities. The Union County All-Stars visited the Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside.
All proceeds benefit those fine institutions and have since the inaugural game.
Practice for both squads continues Tuesday, with the annual pre-game dinner to be held at the Pines Manor in Edison Wednesday night.
It was quite warm on the practice field at Union High School for Monday’s Union County session and temperatures are forecasted to be in the 90s for Thursday’s game.
Hairston and Oblachinski seek to scorch Middlesex County, with the Union County All-Stars seeking a second straight win and to score more than 13 points, which has been its output the last two games.
Middlesex County leads the series 14-9 and won nine of 10 before losing last year’s game 13-7 at first-time site Woodbridge High School.
Union County last scored 20 points in the 2014 contest and its high of 28 was achieved only twice – once in a loss and another time in a victory.
“The coaching staff has been very welcoming and this is another chance to show what I can do at quarterback,” said Hairston, who guided Roselle to the Central Jersey, Group 2 semifinals his sophomore and senior seasons.
Last year Hairston led Roselle to its first 10-win season – the Rams defeated holiday rival Roselle Park on Thanksgiving to finish 10-1 – and became Roselle’s all-time leading passer in yardage, over 4,000, and touchdowns, 48.
“When I heard that I was chosen to play in this game I was very excited,” Hairston said. “I’m happy to be recognized as one of the best players in the county.”
The three-year starter at quarterback for the Rams will continue playing in college at Division 2 Lincoln University in Chester County, Pa.
“I just want to win the game,” Hairston said about this Thursday’s final high school challenge.
Hairston threw for 2,145 yards, 24 touchdowns and only three interceptions last fall.
He can smoothly drop back and just as easily advance his team by scrambling east and west.
“He has a really good arm,” said Union County coach Lou Grasso, Jr., who will be entering his fifth season at the helm of the Union Farmers after being the head coach at Roselle. “He’s more athletic than people think.”
This will be Oblachinski’s final football game before he moves on to continue his baseball-playing days collegiately at Montclair State.
Last fall Oblachinski, in his only year as Cranford’s starting quarterback, turned in one of the finest performances of any Union County player.
In leading a 3-2 Cranford team to a dominating 37-7 triumph at a 5-0 Summit squad, Oblachinski rushed for 215 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown and completed seven of 10 passes for 115 yards, two TDs and no interceptions.
From his position in the secondary on defense, Oblachinski intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown, and batted away a fourth-down pass right near the goal line during the only time Summit reached Cranford territory in the first half.
“Summit is a big rival and we were ready and knew what to do on both sides of the ball,” Oblachinski said.
His pick-6 of 23 yards in the fourth quarter was the game’s final score. Cranford came into the game averaging 36 points, while Summit was averaging 34. Only the visiting Cougars were able to maintain their average.
“That interception pretty much sealed the deal,” Oblachinski said. “That was huge for our power points and making the playoffs.”
Cranford qualified in Central Jersey, Group 3 for the first time, but fell at eventual champion Rumson-Fair Haven in the first round.
“It feels great to have the opportunity to play in another game, especially since we lost our last game last year,” Oblachinski said. “I really looked forward to playing Friday night in front of a home crowd after a hard week of practice.”
Oblachinski was a back in Cranford’s spread offense in 2015 when the Cougars went 12-0 for the first time and for the second time captured North 2, Group 3. That year culminated with a very convincing 50-23 win over Chatham for the program’s second state championship in five seasons.
That game was played on a Friday night at Kean. That was the only other time Oblachinski played at Alumni Stadium.
“That was the best championship I ever won,” Oblachinski said. “Now to be out here with all this great talent is a lot of fun. Once you get to know the players it becomes easier and easier.”
“Oblachinski is a tough kid, comes from a winning program and is very versatile,” Grasso said.
A three-year starter in baseball and one of the top shortstops in Union County, Oblachinski helped lead Cranford to consecutive North 2, Group 3 championships his junior and senior years and as a sophomore the Cougars won their last UCT championship in 2015.
This year’s squad also advanced to another UCT final and to another Group 3 state championship game in Toms River where it fell to Allentown 5-1 in eight innings.
“It’s tough to give up football, but baseball is definitely my passion, I’ve been playing it since I was little,” Oblachinski said. “Playing at Cranford for Coach (Dennis) McCaffery was a great experience where a lot of life lessons were learned.
“When I visited Montclair State I loved it. It was the right decision for me.”
Both Hairston and Oblachinski have familiar targets to throw to. Drew Stephens of Roselle and Ryan Bakie of Cranford are Union County wide receivers.
Stephens had 1,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2016.
Bakie, who will continue playing at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI, was one of Union County’s top offensive threats the past two seasons. He finished his career with 72 catches for 1,321 yards and 15 touchdowns.
MIDDLESEX COUNTY ALL-STARS:
Sean Aston, (5-11, 200), Iselin Kennedy, OT
Andrew Brazicki, (5-11, 210), Bishop Ahr, RB
Quartius Byrd, (6-1, 190), Carteret, RB
Alex Cameron, (5-8, 155), East Brunswick, WR
Roderic Carson (6-2, 235), St. Joseph’s, Met., DL
Marcus Cerminaro, (6-0, 205), South Brunswick, LB
Carlton Coleman, (5-9, 230), Monroe, FB
Alain Diaz, (5-10, 260), Dunellen, OL
Brevin Donerson, (5-10, 170), Piscataway, DB
Da’Avian Ellington, (5-10, 190), Woodbridge, DB
Paul Ferralil, (5-10, 175), Old Bridge, DB
Jahsim Floyd, (6-8, 205), Sayreville, TE
Deonte Freeman, (5-10, 205), Perth Amboy, LB
Terrell Hagans, (6-0, 315), Piscataway, OL
Jalen Harris, (6-0, 175), Carteret, DB
Dillon Harris, (5-11, 210), South Plainfield, LB
Keshaun Henry, (5-8, 175), Spotswood, WR
Nasir James, (6-0, 175), Piscataway, DB
Jack Keenan, (5-10, 170), Spotswood, WR
Michael Lampasona, (5-11, 175), South Plainfield, OL
Tyler Layton, (5-10, 185), Colonia, QB
Dylan Leone, (6-0, 210), Woodbridge, OL
Michael Liberti, (5-8, 165), Sayreville, RB
Mike Matusz, (6-0, 195), Iselin Kennedy, LB
Naeem Morgan, (6-2, 220), Middlesex, LB
Ryan O’Shea, (6-0, 180), Highland Park, DB
German Pimentel, (6-5, 210), New Brunswick, DL
Michael Porcaro, (6-3, 270), Sayreville, OL
Bryce Priester, (6-2, 195), North Brunswick, LB
Keanu Reed, (5-9, 150), Edison, WR
Lance Rice, (6-0, 220), Edison, DL
Ibn Robinson, (6-3, 215), Piscataway, DL
Willi Rojas, (5-8, 175), Metuchen, DB
Jean Sapini, (6-0, 230), South Plainfield, DL
Louis Sasso, (6-0, 220), South River, OL
DeShai Smith, (6-3, 195), South Plainfield, WR
Ryan Szatkowski, (5-10, 165), Spotswood, PK-P
TJ Townsend, (5-11, 285), Old Bridge, DL
Justin Turner, (5-11, 160), Edison, QB
Anthony Villavicencio, (5-11, 275), Bishop Ahr, OL
Tristan Weathers, (6-0, 175), Colonia, WR
Kyle Wiggins, (5-11, 180), East Brunswick, DB
Luke Yakely, (5-8, 220), St. Joseph’s, Met., LB
Nick Yanik, (5-10, 175), Edison, WR
Tyler Zawacki, (6-3, 285), Colonia, OL
UNION COUNTY ALL-STARS:
Terrance Anderson, (5-8, 180), Rahway, RB
Nick Arcieri, (6-1, 215), Brearley, FB/TE
Justin Arnold, (5-11, 225), Roselle Park, DL
Ryan Bakie, (6-2, 200), Cranford, WR
Michael Barletta, (6-5, 210), New Providence, DB
Hudson Barth, (6-5, 250), New Providence, OL
Justin Beckett, (5-8, 175), Union, WR
Brian Biskaduros, (6-3, 250), Gov. Livingston, OL
Chris Bournes, (6-0, 235), Union, DL
Ben Collins, (6-1, 220), Gov. Livingston, LB
Sekou Diaby, (6-3, 250), Hillside, OL
Nick Fischetti, (6-0, 185), Johnson, RB
Christian Fusco, (5-8, 160), Summit, DB
Jeff Gagum, (6-1, 250), Westfield, DL
Robert Gaudenzi, (6-4, 235), Linden, OL
Adens Georges, (5-9, 170), Linden, DB
Matt Grange, (6-2, 240), Summit, OL
Gerald Hairston, (6-3, 220), Roselle, QB
Jordan Harris, (6-3, 240), Plainfield, DL
Tashaun Hutchins, (5-11, 265), Roselle, OL
Junior Jean, (6-1, 230), Roselle, DB
Jay’quan Johnson, (6-2, 245), Rahway, DL
Al-Tariq Jones, (6-0, 185), Union, RB
Steven Karas, (5-11, 175), Roselle Park, DB
Azir Lawson, (6-2, 205), Elizabeth, LB
Malalchi Mathis, (6-2, 205), Elizabeth, LB
Chris McCrary, (5-10, 170), Elizabeth, DB
Brian McGovern, (5-7, 180), Cranford, LB
Max Michel, (6-2, 205), Elizabeth, LB
Kevin Miller, (5-11, 175), Hillside, WR
Robert Moscicki, (6-1, 250), Brearley, DL
Izuchukwu Mozie, (6-0, 230), Scotch Plains, OL
Matt Murdock, (5-6, 155), Summit, RB
Brian Oblachinski, (5-11, 175), Cranford, QB
Brett Roessle, (6-1, 250) Johnson, DL
Kyree Rogers, (6-4, 165), Linden, WR
Vincent Rogers, (6-0, 295), Rahway, OL
Max Schwetje, (6-3, 265), Westfield, OL
AJ Smith, (6-1, 215), Rahway, FB-TE
Drew Stephens, (5-9, 170), Roselle, WR
Jerameel Taylor, (6-1, 215), Elizabeth, DL
Dan Tomlinson, (6-2, 285), Gov. Livingston, OL
Bryce Wilson (5-10, 205), Union, LB
Nasheem Woodard, (5-8, 170), Plainfield, DB
Kameron Yeldell, (6-1, 215), Linden, DL
SNAPPLE BOWL SCORES/MVPS:
2016: Union 13, Middlesex 7
MVP – Osaheni Okomaro,
Hillside, linebacker
At Woodbridge
2015: Middlesex 33, Union 13
MVP – Chase Fee,
Spotswood, running back
At Kean University
2014: Middlesex 34, Union 20
MVP – Matt Olivo,
St. Joseph’s, Metuchen, RB
At Sayreville
2013: Middlesex 30, Union 28
MVP – Abdel Ragab,
Edison, defensive end
At Kean University
2012: Middlesex 39, Union 15
MVP – Cody Zalasar,
Woodbridge, running back
At East Brunswick
2011: Union 28, Middlesex 6
MVP – Darius Mayers,
Roselle, running back
At Kean University
2010: Middlesex 28, Union 14
MVP – Mike Muha,
South Brunswick, quarterback
At East Brunswick
2009: Middlesex 24, Union 6
MVP – Michael Burton,
South Plainfield, cornerback
At Kean University
2008: Middlesex 14, Union 7
MVP – James White,
Piscataway, linebacker
At East Brunswick
2007: Middlesex 17, Union 10
MVP – Aireil Adams,
New Brunswick, wide receiver
At Kean University
2006: Middlesex 13, Union 7
MVP – Herbert Nieves,
Sayreville, defensive end
At South Brunswick
2005: Union 21, Middlesex 14
MVP – Chris Drechsel,
Cranford, quarterback
At Kean University
2004: Union 19, Middlesex 7
MVP – Jan Cocozziello,
Westfield, quarterback
At East Brunswick
2003: Union 13, Middlesex 0
MVP – Mike Vicci,
Johnson, quarterback
At East Brunswick
2002: Middlesex 28, Union 20
MVP – Zack Earvin,
South River, running back
At Kean University
2001: Union 17, Middlesex 16
MVP – Brandon Bracey,
Linden, defensive back
At East Brunswick
2000: Union 27, Middlesex 21
MVP – Billy Gilbert,
Elizabeth, running back
At Union
1999: Middlesex 28, Union 7
MVP – Jeff LeSeur,
Perth Amboy, wide receiver
At East Brunswick
1998: Middlesex 33, Union 7
MVP – Luke Cianello,
Dunellen, quarterback
At Union
1997: Union 28, Middlesex 7
MVP – Louis Campbell,
Rahway, quarterback
At East Brunswick
1996: Middlesex 21, Union 6
MVP – Kenny Rogers,
South Brunswick, running back
At Union
1995: Union 17, Middlesex 15
MVP – Jamie Allen,
Summit, wide receiver
At Sayreville
1994: Middlesex 35, Union 14
MVP – Khamisi Jackson,
Monroe, running back
At Union
SNAPPLE BOWL FACTS:
Series lead: Middlesex 14-9
Home team: 9-14
Road team: 14-9
Most points: Middlesex, 470
Least points: Union, 356
Shutouts: 1 – Union (2003)
5-game winning streak:
1- Middlesex (2006-2010)
4-game winning streak:
1-Middlesex (2012-2015)
3-game winning streak:
1-Union (2003-2005)
MIDDLESEX MVPs (14):
Monroe: Khamisi Jackson, 1994
South Brunswick: Kenny Rogers, 1996
Dunellen: Luke Cianello, 1998
Perth Amboy: Jeff LeSeur, 1999
South River: Zack Earvin, 2002
Sayreville: Herbert Nieves, 2006
New Brunswick: Aireil Adams, 2007
Piscataway: James White, 2008
South Plainfield: Michael Burton, 2009
South Brunswick: Mike Muha, 2010
Woodbridge: Cody Zalasar, 2012
Edison: Abdel Ragab, 2013
St. Joseph’s, Metuchen: Matt Olivo, 2014
Spotswood: Chase Fee, 2015
UNION MVPs (9):
Summit: Jamie Allen, 1995
Rahway: Louis Campbell, 1997
Elizabeth: Billy Gilbert, 2000
Linden: Brandon Bracey, 2001
Johnson: Mike Vicci, 2003
Westfield: Jan Cocozziello, 2004
Cranford: Chris Drechsel, 2005
Roselle: Darius Mayers, 2011
Hillside: Osaheni Omokaro, 2016
WHERE SNAPPLE BOWL
HAS BEEN PLAYED AT:
Union: Middlesex is 3-1
Sayreville: tied at 1-1
East Brunswick: tied at 4-4
Kean University: Middlesex is 5-2
South Brunswick: Middlesex is 1-0
Woodbridge: Union is 1-0
In Union County: Middlesex is 8-3
In Middlesex County: tied at 6-6